Kolles and Stefan GP emerge as bidders for new F1 team

18 January, 2014

Zoran Stefanovich

Colin Kolles and Stefan GP have indicated that they are keen to explore the possibility of becoming Formula 1’s new teams in 2015.

Auto Motor und Sport report that Kolles, who has been involved with F1 in the past with Midland, Spyker, Force India and most recently HRT, is said to be interested in a new F1 project should the much talked about ‘Global Cost Cap’ become official in the sport. Kolles continues to be involved with DTM and LMP2 in the WEC.

In 2009 Stefan GP, led by Serbian businessman Zoran Stefanovich, bought the defunct Cologne based Toyota Motorsport operation with a view to becoming a F1 entrant, and applied to be one of the new teams introduced in 2010, but lost out to Marussia, Hispania Racing (HRT) and Caterham, known as Lotus Racing at the time.

Since it’s failed Formula 1 bid Stefan GP has been linked with a bailout for the failed US GP project, a saviour for the now bankrupt HRT team and recently as a possible partner to a couple of the current teams which are struggling financially.

NASCAR team owner Gene Haas has also indicated that he and his team are exploring an ‘all American’ team option for 2015.

The FIA announced in December that it is seeking applications by interested parties to join the F1 grid, with full applications to be submitted by 10 February with a decision due by the governing body on 28 February. (GP247)